Koichi Kondo to Automotive News: Next Ridgeline will focus more on fuel efficiency

In a small blurb in this week's issue (October 13, 2008) of Automotive News, Honda Executive VP Koichi Kondo is quoted as saying that development on the next generation Ridgeline will place a greater emphasis upon fuel economy, saying about the Ridgeline "It's a very nice concept, a very nice car. But the sales aren't so successful."

The Ridgeline has struggled to meet Honda's initial targets of 50000 annual units, and through September of this year, sales are off by 17.9% from 2007's figures. According to the story in Automotive News, Kondo thinks that the Ridgeline is functionally very competitive, but a tangible advantage in terms of fuel economy will help it stand out further from its competition. The current EPA numbers of 15mpg city and 20mpg don't exactly live up to the V6-only, unibody framed Ridgeline's original promise of a fuel economy advantage over other trucks.

The Ridgeline debuted in early 2005 as a 2006 model and received a minor refresh for the 2009 model year.

Source;
http://www.vtec.net/news/news-item?news_item_id=794652

2011 Honda Ridgeline Hybrid Model?

Looks like the economic feasability of a Diesel engine coming to North America are starting to waver. It was expected that by the time the next gen (2011, as a 2012 model) Ridgeline came about that so would a V6/V8 diesel engine. Now, rumours are that Honda is leaning towards a Hybrid model which of course would work with cylinder deactivation (VCM). There are still rumours of a 4.2 litre V8 engine, and it would make sense that Honda would have 2X options for this vehicle, 1X gas and 1X Hybrid or Diesel.

As always, I'll keep you posted as I hear anything else.